Jitu Mia, a resident of Bhatera Union under Kulaura Upazila in Moulvibazar district, has been sentenced to one month in jail for illegally cutting hills and constructing a house on government-owned khas land. The sentence was handed down by a mobile court during an operation conducted by local authorities.
According to official sources, the drive was led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Shah Zahurul Hossain. Jitu Mia was caught red-handed during the raid, which was initiated following multiple complaints from local residents regarding illegal hill cutting and environmental degradation in the area.
The mobile court found that Jitu had been excavating part of a hillside in the government-owned land and using the cleared space to build a residential structure — an act that violates both land management regulations and environmental protection laws.
“This kind of activity not only violates existing laws but also causes serious harm to the environment. It increases the risk of landslides, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Our enforcement drives against illegal occupation of government land and environmentally destructive practices will continue across the upazila,” said Executive Magistrate Shah Zahurul Hossain as The Daily Star reported.
Environmental activists have long raised concerns over hill cutting in the Sylhet division, where such practices are contributing to rapid environmental degradation. The destruction of hills not only affects local ecosystems but also endangers human lives, especially during the monsoon season.
Officials noted that the action against Jitu Mia serves as a warning to others engaging in similar illegal activities. They urged the public to report any such violations to local authorities, ensuring that government land and natural resources are protected from misuse.
The operation and sentencing have received positive feedback from residents, many of whom have been demanding stricter enforcement of environmental laws in the region.
